Hydrogen Bond Blueshifts in Nitrile Vibrational Spectra Are Dictated by Hydrogen Bond Geometry and Dynamics.

Vibrational Stark effect (VSE) spectroscopy has become one of the most important experimental approaches to determine the strength of noncovalent, electrostatic interactions in chemistry and biology and to quantify their influence on structure and reactivity. Nitriles (C≡N) have been widely used as VSE probes, but their application has been complicated by an anomalous hydrogen bond (HB) blueshift which is not encompassed within the VSE framework. We present an empirical model describing the anomalous HB blueshift in terms of H-bonding geometry, i.

Sequential Pore Functionalization in MOFs for Enhanced Carbon Dioxide Capture.

The capture of carbon dioxide (CO) is crucial for reducing greenhouse emissions and achieving net-zero emission goals. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) present a promising solution for carbon capture due to their structural adaptability, tunability, porosity, and pore modification. In this research, we explored the use of a copper (Cu(II))-based MOF called .

Multimodal Imaging Unveils the Impact of Nanotopography on Cellular Metabolic Activities.

Nanoscale surface topography is an effective approach in modulating cell-material interactions, significantly impacting cellular and nuclear morphologies, as well as their functionality. However, the adaptive changes in cellular metabolism induced by the mechanical and geometrical microenvironment of the nanotopography remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the metabolic activities in cells cultured on engineered nanopillar substrates by using a label-free multimodal optical imaging platform.

Breaking Bad News to Learners: How Well Does the SPIKES Clinical Model Translate?

When health professions learners do not meet standards on assessments, educators need to share this information with the learners and determine next steps to improve their performance. Those conversations can be difficult, and educators may lack confidence or skill in holding them. For clinician-educators with experience sharing challenging news with patients, using an analogy from clinical settings may help with these conversations in the education context.

An Oropharyngeal Accessory Tragus in a Young Patient With Conductive Hearing Loss.

In this report, we describe the first reported case of an oropharyngeal accessory tragus in a 20-year-old female presenting with moderate to severe left-sided conductive hearing loss. This case shares rare developmental anomalies to consider when diagnosing oropharyngeal masses that highlight the intricate embryological development of the head and neck region.

Acute Decompensated Valvular Disease in the Intensive Care Unit.

Acute decompensated valvular disease encompasses a group of complex and challenging conditions, which are often the primary reason for admission to the cardiac intensive care unit and can also complicate the management of other primary cardiac disorders. Critically ill patients with valvular disease also present unique diagnostic and management challenges. Historically, medical and percutaneous interventional therapies have been limited and surgery was the only definitive treatment; however, surgical risk can at times be prohibitive.

Critical review of aging clocks and factors that may influence the pace of aging.

Background And Objectives: Aging clocks are computational models designed to measure biological age and aging rate based on age-related markers including epigenetic, proteomic, and immunomic changes, gut and skin microbiota, among others. In this narrative review, we aim to discuss the currently available aging clocks, ranging from epigenetic aging clocks to visual skin aging clocks.

Methods: We performed a literature search on PubMed/MEDLINE databases with keywords including: "aging clock," "aging," "biological age," "chronological age," "epigenetic," "proteomic," "microbiome," "telomere," "metabolic," "inflammation," "glycomic," "lifestyle," "nutrition," "diet," "exercise," "psychosocial," and "technology.

Description of two new species ( sp. nov and sp. nov.) (Tanaidacea: Crustacea) from the Mediterranean and a biogeographic overview of the genus.

The Mediterranean Sea is recognized as one of the most threatened marine environments due to pollution, the unintentional spread of invasive species, and habitat destruction. Understanding the biodiversity patterns within this sea is crucial for effective resource management and conservation planning. During a research cruise aimed at assessing biodiversity near desalination plants in the vicinity of Larnaca, Cyprus, conducted as part of the WATER-MINING project (Horizon 2020), specimens of the tanaidacean genus were collected.

Application and interpretation of core elements of the 2015 NMOSD diagnostic criteria in routine clinical practice.

Background: We evaluated comprehension and application of the 2015 neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) criteria core elements by neurologists in Latin America (LATAM) who routinely diagnose and care for NMOSD patients by (i) identifying typical/suggestive NMOSD syndromes, (ii) detecting typical MRI NMOSD lesions and meeting MRI dissemination in space (DIS) criteria, and (iii) evaluating historical symptoms suggestive of NMOSD.

Methods: We conducted an anonymous, voluntary, self-administered web- and case-based survey cross-sectional study from October 2023 to January 2024 of neurologists identified through the LACTRIMS database. Questions were presented first through iterative clinical cases or imaging, followed by questions directly evaluating comprehension of definitions.

A spatially constrained independent component analysis jointly informed by structural and functional network connectivity.

There are a growing number of neuroimaging studies motivating joint structural and functional brain connectivity. The brain connectivity of different modalities provides an insight into brain functional organization by leveraging complementary information, especially for brain disorders such as schizophrenia. In this paper, we propose a multimodal independent component analysis (ICA) model that utilizes information from both structural and functional brain connectivity guided by spatial maps to estimate intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs).

Long-term Outcomes 18 Years after the Arthroscopic Fixation of a Scapular Articular Fracture: A Case Report.

Reduction and fixation of glenoid cavity fractures using arthroscopy cause little surgical trauma, allowing the complementary diagnosis and treatment of potentially associated injuries (either capsular, ligamentous or tendon lesions) with promising outcomes. The authors report a case of Ideberg type III glenoid fracture with a distal clavicle fracture which underwent percutaneous reduction and bone fixation (with Kirschner wires) using an arthroscopic technique. We describe the procedure and the outcomes after 18 years of follow-up.

Prevalence of Intersex/Differences in Sex Development and Primary Gonadal Insufficiency in a Pediatric Transgender Population.

Purpose: This study aims to assess the prevalence of intersex variations/differences in sex development (I/DSDs), associated adrenal conditions, and primary gonadal insufficiency in children with gender dysphoria.

Methods: We performed a comprehensive review of the medical records for individuals who carried the diagnostic codes for gender dysphoria in addition to intersex and/or other conditions associated with sex steroid variations among patients evaluated by pediatric endocrinologists from 2013 to 2022.

Results: We found that 9 of 612 (1.

Revisiting Injectable Estrogen Dosing Recommendations for Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy.

Injectable estrogens are options for gender-affirming hormone therapy per guidelines, which suggest intramuscular dosages of 5-30 mg every 2 weeks or 2-10 mg weekly with estradiol cypionate or valerate interchangeably. Data among transgender and gender-diverse patients are limited due to local unavailability and concerns around laboratory assay variability and estradiol (E2) level fluctuation. We note a concerning trend where patients are prescribed high-dose injections based on the guidelines leading to serum E2 levels well above the range recommended in the same guidelines.

Physical and Mental Changes Reported by Transgender and Non-Binary Users of Commercial and Non-Commercial Chest Binders: A Community-Informed Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Purpose: There are no standardized chest binding guidelines available to health care providers serving transgender and nonbinary individuals, exacerbating the significant health disparities affecting this community. Our study aimed to demonstrate the need for further evidence-based investigations into the association between chest binder type and health outcomes.

Methods: For this cross-sectional observational study, a community-engaged online survey evaluating individuals' experiences with their current or most recent chest binder was distributed to LGBTQ+ community centers, online forums, and clinics from July to November 2021.

Recent Advances and Future Directions in Sonodynamic Therapy for Cancer Treatment.

Deep-tissue solid cancer treatment has a poor prognosis, resulting in a very low 5-year patient survival rate. The primary challenges facing solid tumor therapies are accessibility, incomplete surgical removal of tumor tissue, the resistance of the hypoxic and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment to chemotherapy and radiation, and suffering caused by off-target toxicities. Here, sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an evolving therapeutic approach that uses low-intensity ultrasound to target deep-tissue solid tumors.

Racial Disparities in Clinical Trial Enrollment Among Patients Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort of Oncology Practices.

Although clinical trials should be accessible to all patients, persistent racial and ethnic disparities in clinical trial enrollment exist. Herein, we examine racial disparities in clinical trial enrollment among prostate cancer patients from a large population-based cohort of oncology practices in the United States. Using CancerLinQ Discovery, we identified men with regional (N1+) and/or metastatic (M1) prostate cancer diagnosed from 2011 to 2023.

Evaluation of Subetadex-α-methyl, a Polyanionic Cyclodextrin Scaffold, as a Medical Countermeasure against Fentanyl and Related Opioids.

Subetadex-α-methyl (SBX-Me), a modified, polyanionic cyclodextrin scaffold, has been evaluated for its utilization as a medical countermeasure (MCM) to neutralize the effects of fentanyl and related opioids. Initial toxicity assays demonstrate that SBX-Me has a nontoxic profile, comparable to the FDA-approved cyclodextrin-based drug Sugammadex. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed rapid clearance of SBX-Me with an elimination half-life of ∼7.

Molecularly Designed and Nanoconfined Polymer Electronic Materials for Skin-like Electronics.

Stretchable electronics have seen substantial development in skin-like mechanical properties and functionality thanks to the advancements made in intrinsically stretchable polymer electronic materials. Nanoscale phase separation of polymer materials within an elastic matrix to form one-dimensional nanostructures, namely nanoconfinement, effectively reduces conformational disorders that have long impeded charge transport properties of conjugated polymers. Nanoconfinement results in enhanced charge transport and the addition of skin-like properties.

Spectroscopic Signatures of Phonon Character in Molecular Electron Spin Relaxation.

Spin-lattice relaxation constitutes a key challenge for the development of quantum technologies, as it destroys superpositions in molecular quantum bits (qubits) and magnetic memory in single molecule magnets (SMMs). Gaining mechanistic insight into the spin relaxation process has proven challenging owing to a lack of spectroscopic observables and contradictions among theoretical models. Here, we use pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to profile changes in spin relaxation rates ( ) as a function of both temperature and magnetic field orientation, forming a two-dimensional data matrix.

From Beam Damage to Massive Reaction Amplification under the Electron Microscope: An Ionization-Induced Chain Reaction in Crystals of a Dewar Benzene.

Electron microscopy in its various forms is one of the most powerful imaging and structural elucidation methods in nanotechnology where sample information is generally limited by random chemical and structural damage. Here we show how a well-selected chemical probe can be used to transform indiscriminate chemical damage into clean chemical processes that can be used to characterize some aspects of the interactions between high-energy electron beams and soft organic matter. Crystals of a Dewar benzene exposed to a 300 keV electron beam facilitate a clean valence-bond isomerization radical-cation chain reaction where the number of chemical events per incident electron is amplified by a factor of up to ca.

Difficulty with Dental Caries among Adolescents Who Are Underweight: A Nationwide Study.

This study highlights a unique association between weight status and difficulty with dental caries among US adolescents. Being underweight was significantly associated with dental caries in adolescents aged 10-17.

Categorization of Novel Research Ideas Regarding Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Generated by Artificial Intelligence.

Background  The generation of innovative research ideas is crucial to advancing the field of medicine. As physicians face increasingly demanding clinical schedules, it is important to identify tools that may expedite the research process. Artificial intelligence may offer a promising solution by enabling the efficient generation of novel research ideas.

Escalating Risks: Injury Patterns in Escalator-Related Trauma.

Falls from escalators, although infrequent, can result in a wide array of injuries, ranging from minor lacerations to fatal outcomes. This retrospective study aims to detail the treatment and outcomes of eight patients who sustained blunt-force trauma from escalator falls and received care at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California. Among these eight patients, seven required hospitalization, with three necessitating intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and two patients ultimately succumbing to their injuries.

Exploring Public Interest in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Treatment Measures in the United States: A Google Trends Analysis.

Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) afflicts over 2.8 million individuals worldwide and is a leading cause of neurological impairment in young adults. This study investigates the public interest in MS and its treatment options in the United States over the past decade, utilizing Google Trends data.

Inert splint-driven oligonucleotide assembly.

In this study, we introduce a new method for oligonucleotide fragment assembly. Unlike polymerase chain assembly and ligase chain assembly that rely on short, highly purified oligonucleotides, our method, named , uses a one-tube, splint-driven assembly reaction. Splynthesis connects standard-desalted "contig" oligos (∼150 nt in length) via shorter "splint" oligos harboring 5' and 3' blocking modifications to prevent off-target ligation and amplification events.